Digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras were, until a few years ago, relegated to use by professional photographers. In recent years though, with the lowering of prices, DSLR’s have become more accessible to the amateur photographer and enthusiast. This has been both a blessing and a curse because while DSLR cameras allow the user to capture high quality images and offer exceptional features and functions, there can be a steep learning curve when making the transition from compact point-and-shoot type cameras to a DSLR.
Because there are so many choices out there – many brands with many models – the features that are important to you should reflect your shooting style. Do you like to take pictures of scenery or landscapes or do you like to take indoor portraits? Are you reaching for your camera at sporting events or do you like to shoot scenes of the downtown nightlife? The features you focus on will depend on your shooting style and abilities. Here we will touch briefly on the main features to look for when buying a DSLR camera. Please note that these are not in any particular order of importance as what is important for you will depend on your shooting style and needs.
Digital SLR Buyers Guide
Megapixels
One of the first things you will most likely learn about any DSLR camera is how many Megapixels it has. Megapixels, simply stated, is the amount of actual pixels, or dots of information, contained within a digital image. Mega in Megapixel means million and thus a 10 megapixel camera produces images with 10 million pixels. A common misconception about digital cameras is that the higher the megapixels the higher the image quality. This is not the case, as a single pixel is the same size no matter what. Purchasing a 14.5MP camera versus a 10 MP camera simply means that you get more pixels in your images – there are many other factors that affect the quality of the image.
To illustrate the difference lets take two photos with two different megapixel ratings – a 10 megapixel photo and a 14.5 megapixel photo. The 10 megapixel photo measures 3888 pixels wide by 2592 pixels high while the 14.5 megapixel photo measures 4672 pixels wide by 3104 pixels high. The difference in the two photos is the physical size of the images, not the quality.
So, if you plan to produce large images, then a higher megapixel camera will be what you need. If you are going to be producing images to put into a photo album or share online, then a lower megapixel camera will suit you just fine. Remember that the more megapixels you get, the higher the price you pay.
Processors and Sensors
Ever wonder what in the world a CMOS sensor is? You and most other people. Usually right behind the megapixel rating of a DSLR camera trails the sensor and processor types. These bits of information, as cryptic or confusing as they may seem, can make a big difference in the photos you take.
To put it in simple terms, the CMOS sensor is what is responsible for capturing the image data and passing it on to the image processor. In a DSLR camera, when the shutter is released, the light coming through the lens is directed onto the sensor, thus the sensor acts as the film would in a 35mm film camera.
Once the sensor receives the information (the image) it then must pass it on to the image processor. This is where the cameras speed comes into play. The better the processor, the faster the camera will work and take pictures. This speed can be seen in the maximum number of frames per second (fps) the camera is capable of shooting as well as the overall performance of the camera. High-end cameras will have faster processors and even dual processors allow them to operate very quickly and handle a lot of information at once. Low-end cameras will have slower processors and thus slower recovery times between images.
The combination of sensor and processor make for a camera that is blazing fast or not so blazing fast. Again, your own style and needs will determine whether you need a DSLR capable of warp speed or one that can stand to take things a little slower.
ISO Sensitivity
ISO is another one of those terms that seems overly technical and somewhat unimportant. ISO, however, may be the most important feature of any camera. The ISO number tell you how quickly the camera’s sensor absorbs light. This can make or break a photo opportunity if you do not have a good ISO range. The lower the ISO, the slower the sensor absorbs light. If you wanted to take a picture of a mountain side in bright daylight then a low ISO (100) would get you a great image. If you wanted to take a picture of your loved on walking down the street at night then a high ISO (3200) is necessary. Using a low ISO setting in a dark environment will produce blurry images. There is a trade-off for using higher ISO settings however. The higher the ISO setting, the more noise – grain or splotches – is introduced into the image.
The ISO range on most of today’s DSLRs is good for most lighting conditions. Most cameras have ISO settings ranging from 100 to 6400 and some even have 12800. The camera you choose will again be based on how and what you want to shoot. If you plan on spending most of your time outdoors, then a lower ISO range will be fine. But if you want to shoot in lighting conditions from bright to dim, then a high ISO range will work best.
Lenses
A good lens can effect the quality of you photograph more than any other item or camera feature. Lenses are responsible for the colors, focus, contrast, and many other pieces of an image. The beauty of DSLR cameras is that the lenses can be interchanged for different effects and subjects. Since each DSLR manufacturer has a different way of mounting lenses it is important to consider when purchasing a DSLR. Are the lenses readily available? What types of lenses are there? How much do they cost? These are the types of questions to ask when considering your DSLR purchase.
All the other stuff
There are many other features of DSLR cameras that you could spend hours contemplating but the aim of this article is not to bore you. Things like viewfinders, video modes, help menus, manuals, etc. can vary widely by manufacturer and model of camera. Each manufacturer has their own little features that set them apart from the competition and as you search for the right DSLR for you these can be a factor in your overall decision.
A DSLR camera can be a great investment and can give you stunning images. Take time and look for those features that fit your style and you will love your DSLR experience.
